Jadon Sancho applauded every side of Old Trafford at full-time after making his Manchester United return on Wednesday night. Sancho was last named in a matchday squad against West Ham on October 30 and he spent some time away from the club throughout November and December in an effort to improve his fitness levels and rediscover his form.
The 22-year-old worked with individual coaches in the Netherlands and did not travel with the first team to the Spain winter training camp during that period, which helped him return to full training at Carrington in mid-January in peak condition.
When returning to first-team training, Sancho went viral on social media for appearing to be a leaner version of himself and he made his long-awaited return to the matchday squad against Nottingham Forest in the League Cup on Wednesday night.
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Although Sancho was named on the bench, he received a brilliant reception as he warmed up on the touchline and that was seen again when he replaced Antony in the 63rd minute, with a huge grin etched across his face as he came on.
The Stretford End chanted Sancho's name as he entered the pitch and Ten Hag was smiling alongside him by the technical area. The appearance marked the winger's return to action and he was grateful to fans for their support after the full-time whistle.
That's because Sancho walked to each corner of the ground and applauded the supporters who remained in Old Trafford.
Sancho was one of the last players off the pitch and Ten Hag reacted to his return after the victory, saying to MUTV: "It was great, the fans who cheered him up, it's great for Jadon and it shows how the fans like Jadon Sancho.
"To give him this love, we are happy with that, we need this connection with the fans and it's grown all season"
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